Composite Technical Authority - Technology

GKN Aerospace; West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Bonus potential

Flexible working hours

Cycle To Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Bristol is seeking a Technical Authority in Composite Manufacturing Process Development to shape the future of advanced manufacturing technologies. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, drive process innovation, and ensure quality standards across development and industrialisation stages.

The role focuses on leading high-impact projects, collaborating with design and production teams, and mentoring engineers to advance aerospace composite capabilities.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in composite component manufacturing process development in aerospace.
• Proven track record leading complex technology development projects.
• Strong knowledge of composite materials, processes, and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of research engineers and specialists in composite manufacturing technologies.
• Develop and optimise composite manufacturing processes, including material selection and tooling methods.
• Drive innovation to improve performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Ensure adherence to TRL processes and aerospace quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Technically lead strategically important projects with budget and schedule responsibility.
• Collaborate with design, engineering and production for seamless integration of composite technologies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Composite Manufacturing

Project Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Job description

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Composite Technical Authority - Technology

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Technical Authority in the field of Composite Manufacturing Process Development to join the GKN Aerospace Technology team at our Global Technology Centre, Bristol. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of advance manufacturing technologies for GKN Aerospace.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the field of composite manufacturing process development witha proven track record in leading and successfully executing complex technology development projects with particular focus on Engine and Rotative structures.

The Technical Authority will be responsible for leading the development and supporting the industrialisation of state-of-the art composite manufacturing processes. Key aspects of this role involve; ensuring technical excellence throughout the development phase, driving innovation, leading a multidiscipline team, supporting the technology strategic planning process and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

How You'll Contribute

The Technical Authority will be responsible for the following:

• Technical Leadership: You will lead a team of research engineers and specialists fostering a culture of care, innovation, integrity, and ownership and you will provide expert guidance to all levels within the organisation on composite manufacturing technologies and processes including input into the strategic planning process.
• Process Development: You will lead the development and optimisation of composite manufacturing processes, including material selection, tooling methods, and supplier selection and production techniques.
• Innovation: You will drive innovation in composite manufacturing methods to enhance product performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Quality Assurance: You will ensure adherence to the TRL process and ensure that any manufacturing processes meet the required GKN aerospace quality standards and aerospace regulatory requirements.
• Project Management: You will technically lead strategically important projects and working with the PM team you will be responsible for project progress reporting and budget and schedule adherence.
• Collaboration: You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and production, to ensure seamless integration of composite technologies. You will harness the benefits of and continue to grow your extensive technical network/ecosystem.
• Training and Mentorship: You will provide guidance, training and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians in the field composite manufacturing techniques.
• Problem Solving: You will address technical challenges in a systematic and collaborative way and implement solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

What you'll Bring

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

• Experience: Extensive experience in composite component manufacturing process development gained in the aerospace industry. Recognised as an individual who has had an outstanding contribution to the composite component manufacturing sector. Highly conversant with case study examples of high maturity Engine Structures.
• Technical Skills: In depth knowledge of composite material properties, manufacturing techniques, and industry standards.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams. Ideally with previous exposure to ATI funded programs
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proven ability to identify and resolve technical issues in manufacturing processes.
• Relationships: Recognised nationally as a leader in their field and has developed an extensive academic and industrial network in the field of composite process manufacturing development.

Preferred Attributes:

• Innovation Mindset: A proactive approach to driving innovation and continuous improvement.
• Team Player: Collaborative attitude with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

What We’ll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• Access to a salary sacrifice EV scheme giving tax and national insurance savings
• STIP maximum bonus 22.5%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday
• Income protection
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We arethe place where human dreams, plus humanendeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.